Memorial Day Decorations
by Giorgina Devereaux
Memorial Day decorations allow us to
remember those who have died in our nation’s service. Although President Lyndon
Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y. the birthplace of Memorial Day (originally
called Decoration Day) in May 1966, it is difficult to prove the origins of the
day.
On May 5, 1868, Memorial Day was
officially proclaimed by General John Logan who was the national commander of
the Grand Army of the Republic in his General Order No. 11.
It was first observed on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the
graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
In 1873, New York was the first state
to officially recognize the holiday. By 1890, it was recognized by all of the
northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the holiday and honored their
dead on separate days until after World War I. It is now celebrated in almost
every State by observing it on the last Monday in May.
Memorial Day is about reconciliation
and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Ways to honor our fallen
heroes is to visit cemeteries where they were laid to rest and place flags or
flowers on their graves, visit memorials, fly the U.S. flag at half-staff until
noon, participate in a National Moment of Remembrance to reflect on the true
meaning of this important day, and pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and
orphans of our fallen heroes, as well as to provide aid to disabled veterans.
This holiday of remembrance is an
opportunity for many to come together and celebrate by hosting a family
gathering. A patriotic holiday such as this one deserves to be celebrated in
style. There are various Memorial Day decorations to choose from to make this
holiday extra special.
Memorial Day Decorations consists
of the following:
-
American
Flags
-
Flag
Bunting and Banners
-
Flag
Door Cover
-
Patriotic Balloons
-
Patriotic Decorating Kit
-
Patriotic Centerpiece
-
Patriotic LED Lights
-
Patriotic Paper Goods
American Flags: The American
flag is a symbol of our great country and honors this important day in history.
You may wish to hang an American flag outdoors to salute this holiday and
welcome guests.
Flag Bunting and Banners: You
may wish to consider adding flag bunting and banners over the doorway or in your
windows to help set the mood. Bunting also looks lovely on a banquet table.
Flag Door Cover: A fantastic
entrance to any event begins when guests arrive to your front door and see a
flag door cover. These are available in a metallic color for added shimmer.
Patriotic Balloons: Balloons
are the perfect accent for your exterior and interior décor. You may attach
them to balloon weights and incorporate them on individual tables or at the
banquet table.
They also add color and make the event very festive.
Patriotic Centerpiece: Simple
table decorations include a patriotic centerpiece, such as an American flag.
It
makes a lovely accent for the tables and guests will be wowed by the beauty of
the centerpiece.
Patriotic Decorating Kits:
For the ultimate party consider using a decorating kit that consists of 2 foil
swirls (36”), 2 foil swirls (24”), 2 string decorations (4 feet), 2 string
decorations (3 feet), 2 star cutouts (15”), 2 flag cutouts (12”), 1 hat cutout
(5 ¾”), 2 garlands (10’ x 5”), 2 garlands (10’ x 15”), and 50 foot string for
hanging.
Another kit includes 3-10 inch tissue
bells, 2-14 inch tissue balls, 3-18 inch flag cutouts, 4-16 inch American pride
cutouts, 1-8 1/2 flame proof “Proud to be an American” banner, 1-20 inch tissue
bells, 2-25 inch tissue fans, 2-25 inch flag cutouts, and 4-12 inch arcade
garlands.
Patriotic LED Lights: A
lovely way to add glow to your party is to incorporate patriotic lights
consisting of stars in red/white/blue LEDs.
Hang them outdoors and watch the
magic come alive.
Patriotic Paper
Goods: Patriotic paper goods will go beautifully with
your Memorial Day theme. This brings to mind everything that represents
America, such as Coca-Cola, baseball, apple pie, Barbie, and many other things.
You may purchase luncheon/dinner plates, dessert plates, and paper cups in a
red/white/blue theme. Also, you may color coordinate with U.S. flag themed
napkins and red or blue cutlery.
Related article: 4th of July
Decorations
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